Bunion Causes and Treatments

At NY Foot Health, one of the most common and often misunderstood podiatric conditions that patients deal with is bunions. Many people mistakenly accept bunions as inevitable and/or untreatable. The thinking goes something along the lines of, “My grandmother had bunions, my mother had bunions, and now it’s my turn.” However, bunions are more complex and treatable than you might suspect.

What’s Behind a Bunion

The telltale bump at the base of your big toe that makes it increasingly uncomfortable to wear shoes is actually just the outward sign of a problem that is going on with the internal mechanics of your foot. The formation of the bony enlargement at the joint of your big toe is actually the final result of an imbalance of tendons and joints within the foot. The abnormal motion of the foot over an extended period causes the bump as your big toe is forced inward toward your other toes. In conjunction with all the weight and force exerted daily on your foot, this disruption can cause instability in the joint and force it to move out of place.

Dysfunctional foot mechanics, like bunions, are usually inherited. Other factors can contribute to the formation or worsening of a bunion. These include:

• Foot injuries

• Congenital deformities

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

Wearing shoes with high heels and narrow, pointy toe boxes can also contribute to bunions because of the unnatural pressure caused by forcing the foot forward and squeezing the toes together.

Early Treatment Leads to Best Outcomes

Since bunions are progressive and take years to form, early intervention can be very effective. At the first sign of pain, swelling, or redness at the base of the toe, it’s best to schedule an evaluation with your podiatrist. Consult our online directory if you need to find a podiatrist near you. The podiatrist will examine your foot and ask about your family medical history. They may take x-rays or other imaging studies to use as a baseline to check a bunion’s progression.

Initial treatment may be in modifying your footwear choices and possibly a custom orthotic aimed at correcting some of the faulty foot mechanics that are causing the bunion. The podiatrist may use other treatment methods as a bunion progresses, including taping and physical therapy. Prescribing medication may also help for pain and padding to protect the bony enlargement. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a bunion.

If you believe you have a bunion forming, don’t wait. Make an appointment with your podiatrist promptly. To learn more about toe deformities and other podiatric conditions, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.